World Academy of Art & Science

Thank you, Eleanor, for this clear, concise and powerful statement of the Academy's purpose.

 I think that what  renders   WAAS different  from other   international institutions is both  its transdisciplinarity and its human centered perspective. This second  character implies a high level ethical commitment which  is  very  important at present and for the future and I would say essential in a world   in which communications are so extended and technologies  for them  are changing  and very rapidly. What ever the topics chosen as fundamental  for WAAS, this specificity has to remain and  is crucial for  scientists and artists involved as well as for their transdisiplinary efforts which is in itself a difficult and an ever developing process.

1.  These are all good contributions.  However, no is unique to WAAS.  Other organizations would also claim/aspire to making such contributions.  (This is not a bad thing as such folks are potential partners.)

2.  Do we really need a unique contribution?  if so, then we need another shot at it.

3.  If we are to "influence the way huamity thinks..." then we need to dig under the surface to the sources of how various civilizations see, think and live the world.  See my comments aboaut slides 2 and 4.